Keith James: The Songs of Leonard Cohen

Wednesday 4th October 2023 at 7.30pm

Doors & bar open at 7.00pm

Tickets: £20

Tickets are available HERE

‘There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in’ If ever there was a sentence in modern poetry to reflect on and give hope and understanding to us all, it is Cohen’s memorable line from his song Anthem which begins this concert.   

With a lifetime’s experience and peerless reputation of performing these remarkable songs Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s material in the most intimate and sensitive way imaginable, exposing the solitary inner strength of his greatest songs in their original perfect form. Included in the concert are Cohen’s well-known songs: Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy, Suzanne, and Hallelujah alongside his rarer and profound writing such as If it be your will, Joan of Arc and Secret Life. Also included are Keith’s dramatic performances based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca – Cohen’s greatest influence. Keith has also transcribed into song one of Leonard’s poems from his collection Book of Longing written whilst on retreat during the 1990s. 

An enigmatic, mysterious and visionary songwriter,  Leonard Cohen was an unflinching character, with an exact sense of prose, wry humour and the courage to wrestle with the unspoken, forgiving human frailty and indulgence with the stroke of each word.  His music befriended an entire generation,  challenging us to listen more carefully, speak more thoughtfully, think more deeply and recognize our own vulnerability.  

Keith has performed an extensive tour of this concert in Theatres and Arts Centres across the UK, giving over 550 concerts to more than 200,000 people.  

‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’ The Independent 

‘Keith James’ Concert was truly memorable. My tears started as soon as he introduced the first song, and I came away thinking the human spirit will not be defeated. Currently on tour across the UK. Catch him if you can. He is such a lovely human being and so talented’ The Hay Festival 

Presented by Keith James www.keith-james.com   

The event ends approx. 9.45pm (incl. interval).